While most hockey fans in town are quite aware that the Big Nickel Hockey Tournament convenes for the 27th time this weekend, attracting a large cross-section of top end "AAA" hockey teams from across the province, many remain in the dark about the exact caliber of player that we will be seeing perform over the next few days.

Stop for a moment and consider the following "recent" list of tournament alumni only:

In fact, a quick glance through the 2003 Big Nickel Tournament program shows no less than 34 players currently suiting up Ontario Hockey League (OHL) teams:

Small wonder that the Bantam Division of the Big Nickel Tournament ranks among one of my personal favourites to head out and catch a very early glimpse of future OHL stars. To this day, I would suggest that the 2004 Bantam semi-final between the Toronto Marlboros and Detroit Honeybaked crews ranks as among the best hockey games I've ever witnessed.

As for this year's event, I plan on taking in at least a game or two of the North York Jr Canadians Bantams, the team that earlier this year captured the Toronto Red Wings Early Bird Tournament and posted an unbelievable 64-3 mark one year ago.

And there is sure to be plenty of scouts around when the Northern Ontario contingent of Midget squads take to the ice. A draft eligible crop headed by Jamie Haines (Valley East) and Nick Esposto (Rayside) also includes the likes of Marcus Foligno (Sudbury), Elliot Richardson and Jordan Carroll (Valley East) as well as Brett Thompson and Matt Amadio (Soo North Stars) are sure to garner some attention.

The SDSSAA Girls Flag Football finals are set for Thursday afternoon, with perennial powerhouse College Notre-Dame Alouettes facing something of a surprise opponent. While the Als were disposing easily of the Lockerby Vikings with a 35-0 victory, the Lasalle Lancers posted a come-from-behind 12-8 win over the favoured Marymount Regals.

Sudbury Wolves Head Coach and General Manager has confirmed that while overage defenseman Nicholas Tuzzolino is back skating with the local OHLers, don't expect to see Sudbury native Mike Mills in action locally any time soon. After a tryout within the semi-pro ranks earlier this year, Mills has opted to head East, suiting up with the Antigonish Jr A Bulldogs while pursuing his education at St Francis Xavier University.

While At St. Francis Xavier, Mills will likely see a handful of familiar faces, including former Sudbury Northern Wolves teammate Danny Battochio as well as former OHL opponents Will Colbert, Peter Flache, Chris Hulit and Jeremy Akeson.